Sharif Digital Repository

Synthesis and characterization of a new series of low molecular weight (MW = 500–3000) OH-terminated linear aliphatic unsaturated polyesters based on cis-2-butene-1,4-diol and oxalic to sebacic acid were investigated. Direct polycondensation and transesterification methods were used for the syntheses. The latter was recognized to be the preferable method due to its lower reaction temperature and time, lower diol/diacid ratio, absence of decarboxylation, and formation of a product with low polydispersity (Mw/Mn = 1.3–2.7). Elemental analysis, GPC, FTIR, 1H-NMR, DSC, and WAXD were used for the investigations. A segmented polyurethane based on poly (cis-2-butylene adipate) glycol was also... 

Change occurrence during project's life cycle and its impact on project's success is common concern of all parties in projects. Hence, predicting and managing them to mitigate their negative outcomes is critical. This study offers categorization of changes types, causes and effects arise in Iranian projects and investigates the most prevalent ones through conducting a survey. Findings demonstrate that schedule, information and time are the most frequent type, cause and impact of changes, respectively  

In this paper, we introduce a model-based Bayesian denoising framework for phonocardiogram (PCG) signals. The denoising framework is founded on a new dynamical model for PCG, which is capable of generating realistic synthetic PCG signals. The introduced dynamical model is based on PCG morphology and is inspired by electrocardiogram (ECG) dynamical model proposed by McSharry et al. and can represent various morphologies of normal PCG signals. The extended Kalman smoother (EKS) is the Bayesian filter that is used in this study. In order to facilitate the adaptation of the denoising framework to each input PCG signal, the parameters are selected automatically from the input signal itself. This... 

In this paper we introduce a dynamical model for Phonocardiogram (PCG) signal which is capable of generating realistic synthetic PCG signals. This model is based on PCG morphology and consists of three ordinary differential equations and can represent various morphologies of normal PCG signals. Beat-to-beat variation in PCG morphology is significant so model parameters vary from beat to beat. This model is inspired of Electrocardiogram (ECG) dynamical model proposed by McSharry et al. and can be employed to assess biomedical signal processing techniques  

Electronic and phonon structures of the BaFe2As2 superconductor in the magnetic-orthorhombic phase have been investigated by the ab-initio density functional theory using the pseudopotential Quantum Espresso code. Density of state and electronic band structure for this phase has been studied, but phonon dispersion has been obtained only for the nonmagnetic-orthorhombic phase. Electronic band structure and density of states are in good agreement with other calculations in the literature. The electronic state near the Fermi energy are essentially made from Fe3d and As4p orbital that indicate in-plane conductivity in FeAs layers in this system. Comparing calculated phonon dispersions with... 

Room temperature gas sensing behavior of arrayed one-dimensional (1D) nickel nanowires (Ni NWs) are investigated using impedance spectroscopy. Ni nanowires synthesized via electrochemical deposition method based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. Their structural characterization verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Impedance spectroscopy as an essential technique utilized to understand the mechanism of gas interaction with the wires through the changes in their electronic behavior. Bode and Nyquist plots with the real and imaginary impedances are plotted versus frequency range of 500 Hz... 

Investigating the protein adhesion properties of polymeric scaffolds through computational simulations can predict the biocompatibility of scaffolds before an experimental assay is carried out. This prediction can be highly beneficial since it can cut costs and the time it takes for experimental assays. The current study aims to test the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the biocompatibility of a composite scaffold and the molecular dynamics simulations of protein adhesion. To this end, chitosan and gelatin were selected for fabricating a composite skin-tissue wound scaffold with five different polymer ratios. This polymeric blend has not been simulated for protein adhesion. The... 

Background: The burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising globally, with substantial variation in levels and trends of disease in different countries and regions. Understanding these geographical differences is crucial for formulating effective strategies for preventing and treating IBD. We report the prevalence, mortality, and overall burden of IBD in 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2017, based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017. Methods: We modelled mortality due to IBD using a standard Cause of Death Ensemble model including data mainly from vital registrations. To estimate the non-fatal burden, we used data... 

Background: Transport-related injuries (TIs) are a substantial public health concern for all regions of the world. The present study quantified the burden of TIs and deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) in 2017 by sex and age. Methods: TIs and deaths were estimated by age, sex, country, and year using Cause of Death Ensemble modelling (CODEm) and DisMod-MR 2.1. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which quantify the total burden of years lost due to premature death or disability, were also estimated per 100 000 population. All estimates were reported along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Results: In 2017, there were 5.5 million (UI 4.9-6.2)...